Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. DANIEL 6:4 (NLT)

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This is a story of integrity, vanity, and character. Daniel was a man of integrity. He did the right thing the right way for the right reason at the right time. Notice how he is described in this verse: “He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.”

He did not seek personal advantage. He did not leave anything undone. He lived an exemplary life. Daniel was the kind of person each of us should aspire to become.

King Darius was a pretty typical king. Sitting on top of the mountain, so to speak, he had no peer, no rival. He was, in his own estimation, god-like. He was so successful, so powerful, so majestic, it was easy to play to his vanity. That is what the leading officials did so that they could get rid of Daniel since they could not dig up any dirt on him.

What did Daniel do when it became clear that his integrity would lead to endangering his life? He did what he always did. The same God who had been faithful in every episode of his life would prove himself faithful then. When there was no way out, Daniel turned, as he always did, to the Way-maker.

Daniel’s integrity made him the object of envy and hatred. The king’s vanity made him vulnerable to manipulation. Daniel’s character kept him on the right path in step with God no matter the threat.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Psalm 23:4, 5 ESV

When it looks like I’m surrounded, I’m surrounded by You.

Daniel got to spend the evening with a pride of lions. He rested with the king of beasts while the king of the Medes and Persians spent a restless night hoping Daniel’s God would take care of him.

Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lion’s den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
Verses 19 and 20

You know the answer. God is able. Daniel’s integrity, character, and faith in God saved him from certain death. The king humbled himself and acknowledged he was not a god and that there is only one God who endures forever (verse 26).

Whatever happened to those who tried to get Daniel rubbed out? They and their families spent a little time with the lions as well. Very little time (See verse 24).

Live a life of complete integrity. Live a life of true character. Trust God for the results.

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I will live a life of integrity, character, and faith.

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Our Father, make me more like Daniel. I want to live a life of integrity, character, and faith. I want to trust you in all things at all times. Deliver me from vanity. Keep me far from manipulative behavior. I want to honor you and serve others. Amen.